Latency reduction and range extension system for radio networks

ABSTRACT

A radio access network system is described that determines a signal metric associated with a user equipment or device. The user equipment device can implement an altered transmission policy. The altered transmission policy can alter a strength of transmissions by increasing power consumption per transmission, increasing a length of timer per transmission, and altering other parameters of transmissions. The altered transmission policy can also alter an error correction policy. The error correction policy can indicate that error correction transmissions are to be decreased. The altered transmission policy can be implemented until the signal metric changes to a more desirable level.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to wireless communications, and morespecifically to a latency reduction and range extension system thatreduces latency and extends a coverage range in a wireless network.

BACKGROUND

The wide adoption of mobile devices along with ubiquitous cellular datacoverage has resulted in an explosive growth of mobile applications thatexpect always-accessible wireless networking. This explosion has placedstrains on resources that are scarce in the mobile world. On the userside, dropped calls and poor communication have been blamed for userdissatisfaction. On the network side, wireless service providers areobserving an exponential growth in mobile communications due to both anincrease in consumer demand and commercial requirements. To ensurecustomer satisfaction, wireless service providers aim to deliver a highquality service at any location, to facilitate reliable and efficientmobile communications. Moreover, to improve wireless coverage and reducedead zones, wireless service providers can typically add and/or replacefront-end equipment to realize effective bandwidth increases.

Video streaming, data streaming, and broadband digital broadcastprogramming are increasing in popularity in wireless networkapplications. To support these wireless applications, wireless serviceproviders provide systems that transmit data content as data packets.Data packets can be lost, corrupted, or out of order when received by anetwork device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a latency reduction and range extension system inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a latency reduction and range extension system including ageographic location component, in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a latency reduction and range extension system including apriority component, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a latency reduction and range extension system includingan input component, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a latency reduction and range extension system in anetwork environment, in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting embodimentof a method for reducing latency in a system, as described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting embodimentof a method for reducing latency in a system including alteringtransmission parameters, as described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting embodimentof a method for reducing latency in a system including determining ageographic location associated with a user equipment device, asdescribed herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting embodimentof a method for reducing latency in a system including generating anotification indicating that a transmission policy is altered, asdescribed herein.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident,however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without thesespecific details (and without applying to any particular networkedenvironment or standard).

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design describedherein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use ofthe word example or exemplary is intended to present concepts in aconcrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intendedto mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unlessspecified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” isintended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, ifX employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs Aor B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition,the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appendedclaims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unlessspecified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singularform.

Moreover, terms “access point,” “base station device,” “site,” and thelike, are utilized interchangeably in the subject application, and referto a wireless network component or appliance that serves and receivesdata, control, voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially anydata-stream or signaling-stream from a set of subscriber stationdevices. Data and signaling streams can be packetized or frame-basedflows. Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,”“consumer,” and the like are employed interchangeably throughout thesubject specification, unless context warrants particular distinction(s)among the terms. It should be appreciated that such terms can refer tohuman entities or automated components supported through artificialintelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference based on complexmathematical formalisms), which can provide simulated vision, soundrecognition and so forth. In addition, the terms the terms “femtocell”,“small cell”, “pico”, “pico cell” and “femto” are utilizedinterchangeably, while “macro cell” and “macro” are utilizedinterchangeably herein. It is noted that various other types of cellscan be utilized.

To alter a coverage of a network, a latency reduction and rangeextension system is provided that alters transmissions policies. Thesystem measures a signal metric of a radio access network. The systemcan alter, based on metric data representing the signal metric, policydata representing a transmission policy. It is noted that a transmissionpolicy can comprise parameters for directing transmissions of a networkdevice, such as voice transmissions, error correction transmissions, andthe like.

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a latency reduction andrange extension system that provides selective transmission and/orforward error frequency policies for a network device in a network. Insome embodiments, the latency reduction and range extension system canutilize a geographic location to identify a location having a history ofa signal metric meeting a defined criterion. The defined criterion candefine a reduced signal metric, a compromised signal strength, or otherquality assurance metric. A user equipment device entering the locationassociated with the history of the signal metric meeting the definedcriterion can automatically alter transmission and/or error frequencypolicies without need to determine whether the signal metric meets thedefined criterion. In another aspect, the latency reduction and rangeextension system can determine a route and geographic locations that auser equipment device is likely to travel based on input and/or ahistory of travel associated with the user equipment device. The latencyreduction and range extension system can determine, based on the historyof travel and history of the signal metric meeting a defined criterion,whether the user equipment device is likely to be in an a geographicalassociated with a reduced signal metric.

In other embodiments, a network device can implement a transmissionand/or error correction policy based on the signal metric and/orgeographic location. In an aspect, a network device can alter atransmission parameter (e.g., utilize more power per transmissions) andinstruct an associated network device to alter the transmissionparameter. It is noted that in some implementations, a power limit canconstrain a maximum available power per transmission, and a length oftime and/or number of bits per data packet can be altered and/or alength of time and/or number of bits per error correction packet can bealtered. In another aspect, an altered transmission can result in areduced need for packet re-transmissions as fewer packets are lostand/or corrupted. In an aspect, the network device can decrease a datarate (e.g., bandwidth) in exchange for increased reliability associatedwith a network coverage.

For these as well as other considerations, in one or more embodiments, asystem includes a memory to store instructions and a processor, coupledto the memory to facilitate execution of the instructions to performoperations including signal metric and altering transmission and/orerror correction policies. The operations also include determiningwhether the signal metric satisfies a defined criterion, wherein thedefined criterion relates to a signal quality defining a reduced signalperformance. The operations further include determining a geographiclocation, based on the signal metric, associated with a reduced signalperformance.

Aspects or features of the subject specification can be exploited insubstantially any wireless communication technology; e.g., Wi-Fi, GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), Enhanced General Packet Radio Service(Enhanced GPRS), Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long TermEvolution (LTE), Fourth Generation (4G) LTE, Third GenerationPartnership Project 2 (3GPP2) Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), High SpeedPacket Access (HSPA), Zigbee or another IEEE 802.XX technology.Additionally, substantially all aspects of the subject specification canbe exploited in legacy telecommunication technologies and emergingtelecommunication technologies. It is noted that all or some aspects ofthe subject specification can be exploited through modifications tolegacy telecommunication systems. It is further noted that aspects ofthe subject specification can be applied to other forms ofcommunications such as free space, wire lined (optical, fiber, etc),hybrid communication networks, and the like.

Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated is an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system 100 in accordance with various aspects describedherein. System 100 includes a network device 102 that can primarilyinclude a network monitor component 110 (which can monitor a signalmetric) and a transmitter component 120 (which can implementtransmission and/or error policies based on metric data representing thesignal metric). Network device 102 can include, for example, a userequipment device, a base station device, a network node, an accesspoint, and the like. In an aspect, a user equipment device can be apersonal data assistant, cellular phone, watch, tablet computer, laptopcomputer, global positioning system, tracking device, medical devices,and the like.

It is to be appreciated that while FIG. 1 shows network device 102comprising network monitor component 110 and transmitter component 120,however the components can be on separated devices. It is further notedthat network device component 102 can comprise additional components,including a non-transitory computer readable medium storingcomputer-executable instructions and/or a processor. In an aspect, theinstructions, in response to execution by the processor, cause system100 to perform operations.

In embodiments, the network device 102 can communicate with variousother network devices utilizing a radio access network (e.g., 4G LTE).The network device 102 can send and receive data utilizing variousconnection schemes. For example, the network device 102 can send and/orreceive packeted data in the form of data packets. The data packets cancomprise control information (e.g., error correction data) and payloaddata (e.g., application data).

The network monitor component 110 can monitor, based on variousmeasurements, a signal metric of the radio access network associatedwith the network device 102. The signal metric can comprise call qualitycriterion, signal strength criterion, available access points, receivedtransmissions indicating transmission failures, available bandwidth, andthe like. For example, the network device 102 can determine a signalstrength based on measurement data. It is noted that the network monitorcomponent 110 can receive the measurement data from various networkdevices and/or gather the measurement data.

The transmitter component 120 can, based on input from the networkmonitor component 110, determine policy data representing a transmissionpolicy and/or error correction policy. In an aspect, the transmittercomponent 120 can determine whether the signal metric meets a thresholddefining a poor signal quality. For example, the transmitter component120 can identify a weak signal based on the signal metric meeting athreshold defining a weak signal.

In embodiments, the transmitter component 120 can determine to utilize atransmission policy and/or error correction in response to the signalmetric meeting a threshold. The transmission policy can alter anexisting transmission policy, such that a quality metric of anassociated transmission of the network device 102 is altered. It isnoted that the transmission policy can comprise data indicating a lengthof time for transmissions, a power criterion for transmissions, a numberof bits per transmissions, and the like. It is further noted that theerror correction policy can include data indicating a number of forwarderror correction packets to send, a length of forward error correctionpackets, a number of error correction bits to send per packet, afrequency of error correction, and the like. In various embodiments, thetransmission policy can comprise the error correction policy and unlesscontext suggests otherwise, the term “transmission policy” generallycomprises policy data describing an error correction policy.

The transmitter component 120 can direct transmissions based on datadescribing the transmission policy. The transmitter component 120 canimplement the policies to, in response to determining the signal metricmeets a threshold, alter transmission parameters such as to increasepower and/or length of time per transmission or portion of thetransmission, alter error correction transmissions, and the like. Forexample, transmitter component 120 can determine signal quality is at alevel defining a low quality and can increase the power used fortransmitting each packet. In an aspect, each transmission can utilizemore power and can take more time but can also experience a decreasednegative quality (e.g., corruption and/or lose of packet). It is notedthat in some power limited environments, power can only be increased toa certain level, after which other technique can be used for exampleincreasing an energy per bit to noise power spectral density ratio(E_(b)/N₀) by reducing the bits/Hertz, increasing the Forward ErrorCorrecting coding rates, using more robust Forward Error Correctingcodes, altering packet length (e.g., shorter packets), altering a numberof parity bits, altering a number of bits per symbol, or a combinationof the above.

The decreased negative quality can decrease a need to provide errorcorrection transmissions and/or decrease disruptions of transmissions(e.g., dropped calls, failed text/data transmissions, dropped packets,etc.). In embodiments, the transmitter component 120 can, in response tothe determining the signal metric meets a threshold and/or in responseto altering the transmission scheme, can implement the error correctionpolicy. For example, as the transmission policy is altered to producereliable transmissions, the error correction scheme can comprise dataindicated that a number of error correction packets should be reduced.As another example, in system 100, the network device 102 can send fourcopies of each transmissions (e.g., error correction packets) and, inresponse to determining the signal metric meets a threshold, can reducethe number of copies to one copy of each transmission. It is noted thatabove example, is for illustrative purposes. As such, network device 102can determine to send any number of copies, partial copies, and thelike.

In another aspect, network monitor component 110 can, in response todetermining a signal metric is not defined as a poor signal metric,instruct the transmitter component 120 to alter the policy to a standardpolicy. A standard policy can comprise instructions for transmittingunder a defined normal signal metric. For example, the network monitorcomponent 110 can determine to implement a standard policy in responseto determining that a signal is within a range defining an acceptableoperating signal strength.

In some embodiments, the system 100 can reduce latency associated withtransmissions. It is noted that latency can refer to a time required fora transmission or series of transmissions to be sent and received by oneor more devices. In an aspect, network device 102 can transmit packetsto another network device. If the other network device determines that apacket is corrupted and/or is received out of order, the other networkdevice can respond with a signal indicating the packet needs to beresent. Resending the packet can increase latency and/or reduce a user'squality of experience. Altering the transmission scheme and/or errorcorrection scheme can result in a decreased need to resend (retransmit)packets.

In another aspect, altering the transmission scheme can increase a rangeof wireless communication system (e.g., a coverage area). For example,near an edge(s) of a coverage area, reliable transmissions can beextended based on aspects described herein. It is noted, that in 4G LongTerm Evolution communications an edge of a coverage area can be extended(extend the geographic coverage area, reduce interference, and the like)when, or even if handover was required. It is noted that geographiccoverage is not only distance from (for example) a base station to auser equipment device, but can also include an ability to get thoughtinterfering objects, or improve operation in marginal locations such asin a parking garage, upper floors of a building, or in a basement etc.

It is noted that altering a transmission policy can comprise alteringdata describing a transmission policy. In an aspect, data describing atransmission policy can be altered to a defined policy based onmeasurement data and/or based on a target improvement, a transmissionpolicy can be selected from a set of stored transmission policies, andthe like.

Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a latency reduction and rangeextension system 200. Latency reduction and range extension system 200includes a network device 202 that can transmit signals to networkdevices within a coverage area of a network. The network device 202 cancomprise a network monitor component 210 (which can monitor a signalmetric) coupled to a transmitter component 220 (which can implementtransmission and/or error policy based on the signal metric) and coupledto a geographic location component 230 (which can determine a geographiclocation).

The network monitor component 210 can monitor signal metrics of anetwork and the transmitter component 220 can, based on the signalmetrics, implement determined transmission and/or error coding policies.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, geographic location component 230 candetermine a geographic location representing a location of a networkdevice (and/or a location likely to be the location) and associate thegeographic location with signal metrics and/or transmission and errorencoding policies. In an aspect, the geographic location component 230can associate geographic locations and a signal metric determined todefine a poor signal quality to indentify geographic locations that havea history of being associated with a criterion defining a poor signalmetric. It is noted that geographic locations can be stored in a memory(e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium) along with dataindicating signal metrics associated with the geographic locations anddata describing the network device 202 and/or a different networkdevice. The transmitter component 220 can determine to alter thetransmission policy based on a geographic location being associated witha poor signal metric (e.g., before a transmission metric meets a definedcriterion such as a failed transmission). In response to determining thegeographic location at or about a time that a network device determinesthat the signal metric meets a defined criterion, the transmittercomponent 220 can appropriately alter the transmission policy. In anaspect, transmitter component 220 can alter the transmission and/orerror correction policy without network monitor component 210 providingnetwork measurements.

In embodiments, the geographic location component 230 can determined alocation through one or more techniques. As an example, the geographiclocation component 230 can utilize global satellite position data,accelerometer data, triangulation between access points, inertialnavigation, timed difference of arrival navigation, angle of arrival,user input, identified networks (e.g., available internet connections,wireless fidelity networks, etc.), and the like.

In an aspect, the geographic location component 230 can determine anyavailable method and/or technique to identify a geographic location. Forexample, the geographic location component 230 can determine if networkdevice 202 has global positioning system capability and/or whether theglobal positioning system capability is active (e.g., turned on). Inresponse to determining that global positioning system capability isavailable, geographic location component 230 can utilize global positionsystem data. In response to determining that global positioning systemcapability is not available, geographic location component 230 canutilize another technique to determine a geographic location. In anotherembodiment, the geographic location component 230 can force a globalpositioning system capability to turn on and/or prompt a user to turn onthe global positioning system capability.

In an embodiment, the geographic location component 230 can determine alocation based on an accelerometer. For example, network component 202can be a user equipment device. A user associated with the userequipment device can take a route to a destination. The accelerometercan determine a distance the user has traveled and can associate aperiod of the signal metric being defined as poor. The geographiclocation component 230 can store data describing a location, based ondata from the accelerometer, and can determine the location isassociated with an area of poor signal quality. For example, a user cantake a specific route to work. At a certain location the user canexperience poor signal quality. The geographic location component 230can determine the location and instruct the transmitter component 220 toalter a transmission scheme and/or error correction scheme based on thelocation and/or a determined location likely to be the location in afuture time.

In some embodiments, the geographic location component 230 can determinea location associated with a poor signal metric based on wireless accesspoints. For example, the geographic location component 230 can determinea distance from a macro base station device (e.g., through triangulationor the like) and can define the location as being a location having apoor signal metric. In another aspect, the geographic location component230 can determine a location based on availability of a wireless signal.For example, the geographic location component 230 can determine anavailable wireless signal (e.g., a user's home network, a networkassociate with a coffee shop along a user's route, a different user'snetwork, etc.). The geographic location component 230 can determine anidentifiable association between a poor signal metric and availablewireless networks and/or a wireless network becoming unavailable. It isnoted that geographic location component 230 can determine anidentifiable association between a location, a signal metric, andunavailability of a wireless network. For example, geographic locationcomponent 230 can determine that a location has a poor signal metricbased on a wireless network becoming unavailable. For context, a userassociated with the network device 202 can be within range of a wirelessnetwork. The user can go out of range (e.g., in a parking garage) andthe network device 202 can experience poor signal quality. Thegeographic location component 230 can associate the location with anarea of poor signal quality.

It is noted that geographic location component 230 can determine thelocation based on a combination of one or more techniques describedhere. For example, geographic location component 230 can determine adistance from a wireless network based on availability of the wirelessnetwork and/or data from an accelerometer.

In some embodiments, geographic location component 230 can determine alocation of a user equipment device, and can determine if the locationis associated with a history of a signal metric meeting a definedcriterion. In response to determining the location is associated with ahistory of the signal metric meeting the defined criterion, networkmonitor component 210 can actuate a network monitoring procedure togather measured data and determine a signal metric. For example, a userequipment device can determine a location, and network device 202 candetermine whether the location is associated with a history of a signalmetric meeting a defined criterion. Accordingly, the network device 202can avoid potentially unnecessary monitoring of a signal metric.

In embodiments, geographic location component 230 can receive datadescribing location information from other devices. Other devices caninclude a navigation system (e.g., of a car), an external globalpositioning system, and the like. As an example, a cellular phone can bewithin a faraday and/or partial faraday cage (e.g., a car). Thegeographic location component 230, within a cellular phone, candetermine to utilize an external device to receive information such asan automobile's navigation system.

It is noted that the geographic location component 230 can apply athreshold to determine whether to associate a geographic location withan area of poor signal quality. The threshold can comprise a number oftimes a location has been associated with the signal metric meeting adefined criterion, a frequency of occurrences, and the like. In anexample, a network device (e.g., cellular phone, base station, etc.) canrecord the number of occurrences and when the number reaches thethreshold, geographic location component 230 can associate the locationwith the poor signal metric. In another example, the network device 202can be a base station device that can service multiple user equipmentdevices. The geographic location component 230 can record a number ofoccurrences for all user equipment devices and/or a set of userequipment devices. The set can include user equipment devices in aselect group, such as cellular phones, tablets, laptop computers, makeand model of user equipment devices, etc.

It is further noted that the geographic location component 230 candetermine to update data describing geographic locations associated withpoor signal metrics. For example, the geographic location component 230can determine to update the data based on an occurrence of an event. Anevent can include user input, change in a network, passage of time, andthe like.

In some embodiments, network monitor component 210 can determine whetheran event is associated with a signal metric meeting a defined criterion.For example, network monitor component 210 can, in response todetermining a signal metric meets a defined criterion, receive alocation from geographic location component 230 and can aggregateinformation associated with the location. For example, network monitorcomponent 210 can identify an event (e.g., sporting event, parade, etc.)based on information gathered from a source (e.g., the internet), userinput, and the like.

In another aspect, the geographic location component 230 can determinewhether network device 202 is no longer within a location associatedwith the signal metric meeting a defined criterion. In response togeographic location component 230 determining that network device 202 isno longer within the location, the transmitter component 220 can alterthe schemes to standard schemes. In some embodiments, network monitorcomponent 210 can, in response to determining the network device 202 isno longer in the location, determine if the signal metric is altered(e.g., whether a signal strength is increased and/or is anticipated toincrease based on a history of increase).

Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a latency reduction and rangeextension system 300. Latency reduction and range extension system 300includes a network device 302 that can transmit signals to networkdevices within a coverage area of a network. The network device 302 cancomprise a network monitor component 310 (which can monitor a signalmetric) coupled to a transmitter component 320 (which can implementtransmission and/or error scheme based on the signal metric) and coupledto a priority component 330 (which can determine a priority associatedwith a network device). It is noted that system 300 can comprisefunctionality described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Priority component 330 can determine a priority, for employing alteredtransmission and/or error schemes, associated with a user equipmentdevice. The priority can comprise levels (e.g., high, middle, low,etc.), lists (e.g., 1, 2, . . . N, where N is a number), and the like.For example, a user equipment device having a high level can beassociated with a higher priority. It is noted that priorities can bestored in a memory for future use.

In embodiments, priority component 330 can determine a priority based onuser input, service agreements, user equipment device identification,data describing a user associated with a user equipment device, and thelike. As an example, a device associated with a first responder can havea higher associated priority than a device associated with an averageuser. Priority component 330 can apply a determined priority todetermine if a user equipment device is allowed to implement and/orcontinue implementing a transmission and/or error-correcting scheme.

In an aspect, priority component 330 can determine network constraintsand network conditions during a time period. Network constraints caninclude load across a network, a number of user equipment devicesattempting to implement an altered schema, availability of networkresources and the like. In response to determining network conditionsare approaching a network constraint threshold (e.g., network isoverloaded and/or near overloaded), priority component 330 can determinewhether a user equipment device is allowed to implement a policy. Forexample, in a congested network, network resource can be scarce. A userequipment device implementing the policy can utilize bandwidth that mayor may not be need for other users (who may or may not be utilizing thepolicy). As a result of giving one user equipment device permission toimplement the policy, other user equipment devices can experience a dropin signal metric and/or unavailability of service. Priority component330 can determine, based on a priority associated with the userequipment device, whether to allow the user equipment devices to utilizebandwidth required to implement the policy.

Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a latency reduction and rangeextension system 400. System 400 primarily comprises network monitorcomponent 410 (which can monitor signal metrics), transmitter component420 (which can transmit data according to a transmission and/or errorcorrection schema), input component 430 (e.g., which can receive dataassociated with user input), and test component 440 (which can determinewhether an altered schema will improve a user experience). It is notedthat system 300 can comprise functionality described with reference toFIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

Input component 430 can receive input from an end user. The end user canprovide input via a user interface. Input can comprise data describing adesired setting associated with altering a transmission and/or errorcorrection schema. For example, input component 430 can provide aninterface (e.g., display on an interface, a button, and the like) forreceiving input. In an aspect, input component 430 can prompt a user toselect whether to activate the latency reduction and range extensionsystem 400 when a signal metric falls below a threshold, whether toautomatically alter schemes in the future, whether to disable theschemes on occurrence of an event (e.g., battery level below a certainthreshold), whether to utilize a geographic location, and the like. Inanother aspect, input component 430 can receive input directing thetransmitter component 420 to alter the transmission and/or error policywithout regard to signal metrics (e.g., user forcing alteration). It isnoted that input component 430 can store input associated with settingsof a user equipment device, and can utilize the stored input todetermine whether the user equipment device alters the transmissionpolicy.

Test component 440 can determine a level of change of a signal metricassociated with an altered transmission and/or error policy. A level ofchange can comprise a positive, negative, and/or no change. Testcomponent 440 can determine the level based on measured data. Forexample, test component 440 can apply the policy to an initial sampleset of transmissions and determine a level of change. In another aspect,test component 440 can determine a level based on a simulation of analteration (e.g., as a function of data describing conditions, signalstrengths, a history of data describing past simulations, devicespecific data, etc.), data describing the location (e.g., past levelsassociated with a location), user input, and the like.

In embodiments, test component 440 can output a level of changeassociated with a location and/or a user equipment device. Testcomponent 440 can output the change, for example, to a memory forstorage, to a user interface, and the like. In an aspect, test component440 can determine whether a transmission schema should be implementedbased on the level of improvement. In another aspect, a user candetermine whether to allow alteration of the transmission schema basedon an output associated with the level of change.

FIG. 5, illustrates an example system 500 that can reduce latency oftransmissions based on altered transmission policies, according to anaspect of the subject disclosure. System 500 comprises one or more macrocell(s), served by a base station device(s). Although only twomacrocells 510, 514, served by their respective base station devices504, 506, are illustrated it can be appreciated that the subjectdisclosure is not that limited and most any number of macrocells can bedeployed within a network. In addition, although only two macro accesspoint devices, namely base station device devices 504, 506, areillustrated, most any number of base station devices can be deployedwithin the system 500. It is further noted that base station devices504, 506 can represent femto access points, and the like. System 500 canfurther comprise one or more user equipment devices 502, 508. Althoughonly two user equipment devices 502, 508 are illustrated it can beappreciated that the subject disclosure is not that limited and most anynumber of user equipment devices can be deployed within a network. Forsake of brevity, while one base station device, user equipment device,and/or macrocell may be referred to, it is noted that other base stationdevices, user equipment devices, and/or macrocells can functionsubstantially similar, unless context suggests otherwise. It is notedthat various aspects described as associated with a base station deviceare applicable to a user equipment device and vice versa.

Base station device 504 can comprise a base station device in a largernetwork (e.g., cellular network). Base station device 504 can provideservice to user equipment device 502 and 508. Service can includeproviding network resources, transmitting data to/from devices, and thelike. In an aspect, base station device 504 can comprise latencyreduction and range extension systems such as, with reference to FIGS.1-4, system 100, system 200, system 300, and system 400. User equipmentdevice 502 can communicate with base station device 504 via a wirelessconnection. It is noted that user equipment device 502 can utilizevarious communication protocols.

User equipment device 502 can determine a signal metric associated withsystem 500. User equipment device 502 can further determine whether thesignal metric is below a threshold level. In response to determining thesignal metric is below the threshold level, user equipment device 502can determine a transmission and/or error correction policy fortransmissions associated with user equipment device 502. In an aspect,user equipment device 502 can communicate a result of the determiningwhether the signal metric is below the threshold level to base stationdevice 504 or base station device 506. It is noted that user equipmentdevice 502 can select which base station device 504 or base stationdevice 506 to send the result to, based on a connection statusassociated with base station device 504 or 506. A connection status cancomprise connected to, disconnected to, in transition to, etc. It isfurther noted that user equipment device 502 can send the result to bothor neither of the base station devices 504 and 506. As an example, userequipment device 502 can implement the transmission/error correctionpolicy and base station device 504 and/or 506 can determine whether userequipment device has altered the transmission/error correction policybased on an analysis of the transmissions.

In embodiments, user equipment device 502 can determine a locationand/or route of travel associated with a geographic position of userequipment device 502. User equipment device 502 can further determine ifa location will likely result in an altered transmission policy based onstored data representing previous alterations and locations. In responseto determining that an alteration of the transmission policy is likely,user equipment device 502 can alter the transmission policy based on thelocation prior to the signal metric meeting a threshold level. It isnoted that user equipment device 502 can determine whether alteration ofthe transmission policy is likely based on a history of data and acorrelation between a history of alterations. It is further noted thatuser equipment device 502 can employ statistical models, Markov models,and the like to determine a correlation. In an aspect, a likelihood canbe represented by a percentage, a defined level (e.g., high, medium,low), and the like.

Base station device 504 can determine whether to implement an alteredtransmission/error correction policy based on the result and/or based ondata received from user equipment device 502. Base station device 504can implement the altered transmission/error correction policy for userequipment device 502 while maintaining a normal or unalteredtransmission policy associated with user equipment device 506.

In some embodiments, base station device 504 can determine a signalmetric associated with user equipment device 502. Base station device504 can further determine whether the signal metric is below a thresholdlevel. In response to determining the signal metric is below thethreshold level, base station device 504 can determine a transmissionand/or error correction policy for transmissions associated with userequipment device 502. In an aspect, base station device 504 cancommunicate a result of the determining whether the signal metric isbelow the threshold level to user equipment device 502.

Base station device 504 can determine a location of user equipmentdevice 502 associated with the altered transmission/error correctionpolicy. For example, base station device 504 can receive a location fromthe user equipment device 502, determine a location based ontriangulation, determine a location based on data describing availablenetworks associated with user equipment device 502, and the like. Inanother aspect, base station device 504 can receive data describing userequipment device 502. Data describing user equipment device 502 cancomprise data describing a make and model association with userequipment device 502, data describing an operating system associationwith user equipment device 502, data describing power levels of abattery or power component association with user equipment device 502,and the like.

In some embodiments, base station device 504 can store received data andlocation associated with an alteration of the transmission/errorcorrection policy. Base station device 504 can compare the received dataand location with previously stored data and locations to determine ifthe data and location are correlated with previous iterations of alteredtransmission/error correction policies associated with user equipmentdevice 502 or other user equipment devices. Base station device 504 canutilize correlated iterations to determine whether an alteration oftransmission/error correction policies should be performed as a userequipment device enters a location. In an aspect, based station device504 can proactively alter transmission/error correction policies beforea user equipment device experiences an alteration of a signal metric. Itis noted that base station device 504 can make specific determinationsfor each user equipment device or for a set of user equipment devices.

Base station device 504 can utilize stored and received data todetermine a probability of signal metric degradation for a locationand/or user equipment device. In an aspect, base station device 504 canemploy various models such as: queuing models, Markov models,probabilistic functions of Markov chains, and the like—can subsequentlyperform probabilistic predictions based upon a collected history. Forexample, if prior iterations of altering transmission policies and/orerror correction policies exist—base station device 504 can model theiterations and behavior of various user equipment devices and networkmetrics. In one aspect, the actual decision for which model to employ,can initially be based on a weighted average of user equipment specificdata and location data—and subsequently modified when sufficient data isaccumulated.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate processes in connection with the aforementionedsystems. The processes in FIGS. 6-9 can be implemented for example bysystems 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5respectively. While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, themethods are shown and described as a series of blocks, it is to beunderstood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is notlimited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described hereinafter.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting embodimentof a method 600 for latency reduction based on altering a transmissionpolicy as a function of a signal metric.

At 602, a system (e.g., system 100) comprising a processor candetermine, based on measured data representing a network performanceparameter, metric data. Metric data can comprise a signal strength, anerror rate, a number of failed connection attempts, latency associatedwith transmissions, and the like. It is noted that measured data can bemeasured by a network device, such as a based station device or userequipment device. In another aspect, measured data can be received bythe system.

At 604, a system can determine whether the metric data representing asignal metric associated with a user equipment satisfies a definedcriterion (e.g., using network monitor component 110). The definedcriterion can comprise a threshold level for the metric data. It isnoted that the defined criterion can be predetermined in someembodiments, and dynamically determined in other embodiments. As anexample, the defined criterion can comprise a threshold signal strengthdefining a degraded signal quality.

At 606, a system can, in response to determining that the metric datasatisfies the defined criterion, alter (e.g., using transmittercomponent 120), data describing a transmission policy associated withthe user equipment, wherein the transmission policy indicates acriterion for a transmission associated with the user equipment. Thecriterion for the transmission can comprise a power consumptionassociated with transmissions, a length of time associated withtransmissions, a format for transmissions, a rate of error correction, afrequency of error correction, a number of error correctiontransmissions, and the like. As an example, the system can determinewhether a signal strength meets a criterion defining a weak orcompromised signal. In response, the system can alter a transmissionpolicy such that each transmission is sent for a longer period of timeand utilizes a greater amount of power in comparison to a non-alteredtransmission policy. It is noted that transmitter component 120 canalter the data describing the transmission policy and can facilitateimplementation of the policy to alter transmissions.

In another aspect, the system can continue to determine whether themetric data associated with the user equipment device satisfies thedefined criterion at 604. If the metric data does not satisfy thedefined criterion then the transmission policy does not sendtransmissions via the altered transmission policy.

At 608, a system can, in response to determining the metric data doesnot satisfy the defined criterion, alter the data describing thetransmission policy based on a default transmission policy associatedwith the user equipment. It is noted that if the transmission policy wasnot previously altered at 606, then the system does not alter thetransmission policy at 608. For example, the system can determine thatthe policy should not be altered and can implement a standardtransmission policy (e.g., a policy for normal signal strength).

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting embodimentof a method 700 for latency reduction based on altering a transmissionpolicy as a function of a signal metric, including altering data thatinstructs a user device to alter transmission parameters.

At 702, a system (e.g., using transmitter component 120) can determineto alter data describing a transmission policy associated with the userequipment device. In an aspect, the system can determine to alter thedata based on measurement data, user input, and the like.

At 704, a system (e.g., using transmitter component 120) can alter thedata to instruct the user equipment device to increase a powerassociated with a transmission. It is noted that the system can alterthe data and implement the altered data to transmit informationcomprising data. For example, the system can determine to alter the dataand implement the data to instruct a transmitter to transmit packeteddata at an increased, with respect to prior transmissions, a powerassociated with transmissions.

At 706, a system (e.g., using transmitter component 120) can alter thedata to instruct the user equipment device to increase a length of timeassociated with the transmission. The system can alter the data andimplement the altered data to transmit information comprising data suchthat each transmission is transmitter for a longer period of timerelative to a prior transmission. For example, the system can determineto alter the data and implement the data to instruct a transmitter totransmit each packet of data for an increased, with respect to a priortransmission, a length of time associated with transmissions. It isnoted that each transmission occurring after the altering can transmitfor a determine time period or can transmit for multiple relative timeperiods.

At 708, a system (e.g., using transmitter component 120) can alter thedata that instructs the user equipment device to decrease a rate oferror correction transmissions. In an aspect, a system can transmiterror correction transmissions according to a first transmission policy,and in response to the altering of the data, can transmit errorcorrection transmissions according to a second transmission policy. Inan aspect, a frequency or rate of error transmissions can be decreased,with respect to the first transmission policy, for the secondtransmission policy. For example, in a second transmission policy,transmissions can be sent at a greater power for a greater length oftime, in comparison to transmissions sent according to a firsttransmission policy. The transmissions sent according to the secondtransmission policy can be more reliable (e.g., experience less errorscompared to transmissions sent according to the first transmissionpolicy). Thus, a need for error correction transmission policies can bealtered.

Turning now to FIG. 8, illustrates a flow diagram of an example,non-limiting embodiment of a method 800 for latency reduction based onaltering a transmission policy as a function of a signal metric,including determining a geographic location associated with a userequipment device.

At 802, a system can, in response to determining the metric datasatisfies the defined criterion, determine (e.g., using geographiclocation component 230) a geographic location associated with thenetwork device. The geographic location can represent a geographiclocation of a user equipment device at or about the time that the signalmetric meets the defined criterion. In an aspect, the geographiclocation can comprise coordinates on a map, an area of a map, and thelike. It is noted that the system can determine the geographic locationbased on data received from a global positioning satellite system,triangulation, available wireless networks, and the like.

At 804, a system based on history data describing a history ofdeterminations that the metric data has satisfied the defined criterionand associated geographic locations, determine whether the geographiclocation is associated with the metric data satisfying the definedcriterion. In embodiments, the system can analyze past occurrences ofsignal metrics meeting the defined criterion and associated geographiclocations of user equipment devices that experienced the occurrences. Insome embodiments, the system can also utilize data describing the userequipment devices (e.g., make, model, operating system, etc.) and candetermine identifiable correlations between the data describing userequipment devices, geographic locations, and the occurrences.

At 806, a system can determine, based on a geographic locationassociated with the network device, the first transmission policy dataand the second transmission policy data. It is noted that the system candetermine to utilize the first or second transmission policy based onthe geographic location without determining if the signal metric meets adefined criterion. For example, if the system has identified acorrelation between a geographic location and a decrease in signalstrength, the system can utilize the correlation to select atransmission policy.

Turning now to FIG. 9, illustrates a flow diagram of an example,non-limiting embodiment of a method 900 for latency reduction based onaltering a transmission policy as a function of a signal metric,including altering data that instructs a user device to altertransmission parameters.

At 902, a system can determine (e.g., using network monitor component110), based on an evaluation of measurement data representing a networkperformance criterion, metric data representing a signal metricassociated with transmissions of a device.

At 904, a system can determine based on the metric data, policy datarepresenting an error encoding policy that comprises data indicating anerror encoding rule associated with the transmissions.

At 906, a system can determine (based on the metric data, policy datarepresenting a packet transmission policy that comprises data indicatinga packet transmission rule for the transmissions.

At 908, a system can generate a notification to indicate that the devicehas implemented the altering of the data describing the transmissionpolicy. In some embodiments, the system can generate the notification asan audio or visual notification. An audio or visual notification cancomprise a rendered graphical image on a graphical user interface,actuation of a light emitting diode, an audible signal, a vibration, andthe like. In other embodiments, the system can generate the notificationas a signal. For example, the system can generate a signal that notifiesa base station device of the alteration.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. For example, in some embodiments, the computer can be or beincluded within a latency reduction and range extension system disclosedin any of the previous systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800,and/or 900.

In order to provide additional context for various embodiments describedherein, FIG. 10 and the following discussion are intended to provide abrief, general description of a suitable computing environment 1000 inwhich the various embodiments of the embodiment described herein can beimplemented. While the embodiments have been described above in thegeneral context of computer-executable instructions that can run on oneor more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that theembodiments can be also implemented in combination with other programmodules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which caninclude computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage such as holographicmemories and blu-ray discs, delay lines, memresitors, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices or other tangible and/or non-transitory media which canbe used to store desired information. In this regard, the terms“tangible” or “non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information deliveryor transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refersto a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changedin such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By wayof example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media,such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 10, the example environment 1000 forimplementing various embodiments of the aspects described hereinincludes a computer 1002, the computer 1002 including a processing unit1004, a system memory 1006 and a system bus 1008. The system bus 1008couples system components including, but not limited to, the systemmemory 1006 to the processing unit 1004. The processing unit 1004 can beany of various commercially available processors. Dual microprocessorsand other multi-processor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 1004 that can, for example, be hardware, software,firmware or some combination.

The system bus 1008 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1006includes ROM 1010 and RAM 1012. A basic input/output system (BIOS) canbe stored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmableread only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routinesthat help to transfer information between elements within the computer1002, such as during startup. The RAM 1012 can also include a high-speedRAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1002 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1014 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1014 can also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1016, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1018) and an optical disk drive 1020, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1022 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD, Blu-ray, and the like). The hard diskdrive 1014, magnetic disk drive 1016 and optical disk drive 1020 can beconnected to the system bus 1008 by a hard disk drive interface 1024, amagnetic disk drive interface 1026 and an optical drive interface 1028,respectively. The interface 1024 for external drive implementationsincludes at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) andInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1094 interfacetechnologies. Other external drive connection technologies are withincontemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1002, the drives andstorage media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digitalformat. Although the description of computer-readable storage mediaabove refers to a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette,and a removable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of storagemedia which are readable by a computer, such as zip drives, magneticcassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also beused in the example operating environment, and further, that any suchstorage media can contain computer-executable instructions forperforming the methods described herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1012,including an operating system 1030, one or more application programs1032, other program modules 1034 and program data 1036. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1012. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1002 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1038 and apointing device, such as a mouse 1040. Other input devices (not shown)can include a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick, agame pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and other inputdevices are often connected to the processing unit 1004 through an inputdevice interface 1042 that can be coupled to the system bus 1008, butcan be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, an IRinterface, etc.

A monitor 1044 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 1008 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1046. Inaddition to the monitor 1044, a computer typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1002 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1048. The remotecomputer(s) 1048 can be a workstation device, a server computer, arouter, a personal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-basedentertainment appliance, a peer device or other common network node, andtypically includes many or all of the elements described relative to thecomputer 1002, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storagedevice 1050 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted includewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1052 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1054. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1002 can beconnected to the local network 1052 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1056. The adapter 1056 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1052, which canalso include a wireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with thewireless adapter 1056.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1002 can includea modem 1058 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN1054 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN1054, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1058, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, can be connected tothe system bus 1008 via the input device interface 1042. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1002 orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1050. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexample and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer 1002 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can include Wireless Fidelity(Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, the communicationcan be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simplyan ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station device. Wi-Fi networks useradio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example or with products that containboth bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-worldperformance similar to the basic 11BaseT wired Ethernet networks used inmany offices.

FIG. 11 presents an example embodiment 1100 of a mobile network platform1110 that can implement and exploit one or more aspects of the disclosedsubject matter described herein. Generally, wireless network platform1110 can include components, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers,or disparate platforms, that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g.,internet protocol (IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM))and circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well ascontrol generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As anon-limiting example, wireless network platform 1110 can be included intelecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered carrier-sidecomponents as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 1110includes CS gateway node(s) 1112 which can interface CS traffic receivedfrom legacy networks like telephony network(s) 1140 (e.g., publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN))or a signaling system #7 (SS7) network 1170. Circuit switched gatewaynode(s) 1112 can authorize and authenticate traffic (e.g., voice)arising from such networks. Additionally, CS gateway node(s) 1112 canaccess mobility, or roaming, data generated through SS7 network 1170;for instance, mobility data stored in a visited location register (VLR),which can reside in memory 1130. Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 1112interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PS gateway node(s) 1118.As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gateway node(s) 1112 can berealized at least in part in gateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). Itshould be appreciated that functionality and specific operation of CSgateway node(s) 1112, PS gateway node(s) 1118, and serving node(s) 1116,is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilized by mobilenetwork platform 1110 for telecommunication.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 1118 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions caninclude traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to thewireless network platform 1110, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 1150,enterprise network(s) 1170, and service network(s) 1180, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 1110 through PS gateway node(s) 1118. It is tobe noted that WANs 1150 and enterprise network(s) 1160 can embody, atleast in part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS).Based on radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s)1117, packet-switched gateway node(s) 1118 can generate packet dataprotocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 1118 caninclude a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 1100, wireless network platform 1110 also includes servingnode(s) 1116 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) 1117, convey the various packetized flows of datastreams received through PS gateway node(s) 1118. It is to be noted thatfor technology resource(s) 1117 that rely primarily on CS communication,server node(s) can deliver traffic without reliance on PS gatewaynode(s) 1118; for example, server node(s) can embody at least in part amobile switching center. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, servingnode(s) 1116 can be embodied in serving GPRS support node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)1114 in wireless network platform 1110 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can include add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bywireless network platform 1110. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 1118 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 1116 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 1114 can include utilityserver(s), a utility server can include a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through wireless network platform 1110 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 1112and PS gateway node(s) 1118 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 1150, GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s), Global Navigation Satellite Systems(GLONASS), and the like. Provisioning server(s) can also provisioncoverage through networks associated to wireless network platform 1110(e.g., deployed and operated by the same service provider), such asfemto-cell network(s) (not shown) that enhance wireless service coveragewithin indoor confined spaces and offload RAN resources in order toenhance subscriber service experience within a home or businessenvironment by way of UE 1175.

It is to be noted that server(s) 1114 can include one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of macro networkplatform 1110. To that end, the one or more processor can execute codeinstructions stored in memory 1130, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 1114 can include a content manager 1115,which operates in substantially the same manner as describedhereinbefore.

In example embodiment 1100, memory 1130 can store information related tooperation of wireless network platform 1110. Other operationalinformation can include provisioning information of mobile devicesserved through wireless platform network 1110, subscriber databases;application intelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates,flat-rate programs, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s)consistent with telecommunication protocols for operation of disparateradio, or wireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 1130 canalso store information from at least one of telephony network(s) 1140,WAN 1150, enterprise network(s) 1160, or SS7 network 1170. In an aspect,memory 1130 can be, for example, accessed as part of a data storecomponent or as a remotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 11, and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory 1120 (see below), non-volatile memory 1122 (see below), diskstorage 1124 (see below), and memory storage 1146 (see below). Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory caninclude random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory.By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in manyforms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronousDRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM(ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, includingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, watch, tablet computers, netbookcomputers, . . . ), microprocessor-based or programmable consumer orindustrial electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects can alsobe practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network; however, some if not all aspects of the subjectdisclosure can be practiced on stand-alone computers. In a distributedcomputing environment, program modules can be located in both local andremote memory storage devices.

The embodiments described herein can employ computational inelegance(e.g. artificial intelligence, neural networks, etc.) to facilitateautomating one or more features described herein. The embodiments (e.g.,in connection with automatically identifying acquired cell sites thatprovide a maximum value/benefit after addition to an existingcommunication network) can employ various computational inelegance basedschemes for carrying out various embodiments thereof. Moreover, theclassifier can be employed to determine a ranking or priority of theeach cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is a function thatmaps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . , xn), to aconfidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence(class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to prognose or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachesinclude, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers, such as neural networks, that are explicitly trained(e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g.,via observing UE behavior, operator preferences, historical information,receiving extrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configuredvia a learning or training phase within a classifier constructor andfeature selection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used toautomatically learn and perform a number of functions, including but notlimited to determining according to a predetermined criteria which ofthe acquired cell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribersand/or which of the acquired cell sites will add minimum value to theexisting communication network coverage, etc.

As used in this application, in some embodiments, the terms “component,”“system” and the like are intended to refer to, or include, acomputer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatuswith one or more specific functionalities, wherein the entity can beeither hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, orsoftware in execution. As an example, a component may be, but is notlimited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, anobject, an executable, a thread of execution, computer-executableinstructions, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration andnot limitation, both an application running on a server and the servercan be a component. One or more components may reside within a processand/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on onecomputer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition,these components can execute from various computer readable media havingvarious data structures stored thereon. The components may communicatevia local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signalhaving one or more data packets (e.g., data from one componentinteracting with another component in a local system, distributedsystem, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systemsvia the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatuswith specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated byelectric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software orfirmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor canbe internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part ofthe software or firmware application. As yet another example, acomponent can be an apparatus that provides specific functionalitythrough electronic components without mechanical parts, the electroniccomponents can include a processor therein to execute software orfirmware that confers at least in part the functionality of theelectronic components. While various components have been illustrated asseparate components, it will be appreciated that multiple components canbe implemented as a single component, or a single component can beimplemented as multiple components, without departing from exampleembodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station device,”“mobile,” subscriber station device,” “access terminal,” “terminal,”“handset,” “mobile device” (and/or terms representing similarterminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by a subscriber oruser of a wireless communication service to receive or convey data,control, voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream orsignaling-stream. The foregoing terms are utilized interchangeablyherein and with reference to the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches, memristors, optical sources,detectors, passive optical components, non-passive optical components,and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance performance ofuser equipment. A processor can also be implemented as a combination ofcomputing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

Memory disclosed herein can include volatile memory or nonvolatilememory or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way ofillustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include readonly memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmableROM (EPROM), memristors, electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM) or flashmemory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM), whichacts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and notlimitation, RAM is available in many forms such as static RAM (SRAM),dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM(DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), anddirect Rambus RAM (DRRAM). The memory (e.g., data storages, databases)of the embodiments are intended to comprise, without being limited to,these and any other suitable types of memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A first network device of a first network,comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores executableinstructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitateperformance of operations, comprising: based on accelerometer datareceived from an accelerometer of a first user equipment, determininglocation data indicative of a geographical location of the first userequipment, based on network data indicative of an availability of secondnetwork device of a second network for communication with the first userequipment, determining that a first signal metric, associated with afirst signal transmitted between the first user equipment and an accesspoint device that serves the geographical location, satisfies a definedpoor signal metric criterion, determining historical data associatedwith a second user equipment that is determined to be of the same devicemodel as the first user equipment, wherein the historical data isassociated with a second signal metric associated with a second signaltransmitted between the second user equipment and the access pointdevice, and wherein the second signal metric represents a quality of thesecond signal, modifying, based on the historical data, policy datarepresenting a transmission policy associated with an error correctiondata packet, wherein the transmission policy represents a number oferror correction bits that are to be transmitted per packet, andsubsequent to the modifying, facilitating a transmission of the errorcorrection data packet between the access point device and the firstuser equipment in accordance with the policy data.
 2. The first networkdevice of claim 1, wherein the historical data comprises signal metricdata that has been determined based on an evaluation of measurement datarepresenting a measurement of a performance parameter associated with aradio access network served by the access point device.
 3. The firstnetwork device of claim 1, wherein the policy data further comprisesparameter data indicative of a power consumption parameter associatedwith the error correction data packet.
 4. The first network device ofclaim 1, wherein the policy data further comprises parameter dataindicative of a time period parameter associated with the errorcorrection data packet.
 5. The first network device of claim 1, whereinthe policy data further comprises length data indicative of a length oferror encoding data packets transmitted between the first user equipmentand the access point device.
 6. The first network device of claim 1,wherein the modifying comprises modifying before a determination thattransmission metric data indicative of a transmission metric associatedwith a communication between the first user equipment and the accesspoint device has satisfied a defined criterion.
 7. The first networkdevice of claim 1, wherein the policy data further comprises prioritydata indicative of a priority assigned to the first user equipment. 8.The first network device of claim 1, wherein the modifying furthercomprises modifying the policy data based on route informationindicative of a target route, and wherein the first user equipment isdetermined to travel via the route.
 9. The first network device of claim1, wherein modifying further comprises modifying the policy data basedon target location information representing a target geographicallocation, and wherein the first user equipment is likely to move to thetarget geographical location.
 10. A method, comprising: based onaccelerometer data received from an accelerometer of a first userequipment, determining, by an access point device of a first networkthat comprises a processor, location data indicative of a geographicalarea in which the first user equipment is located, wherein thedetermining further comprises determining the location data based onnetwork data indicative of an availability of a network device of asecond network for communication with the first user equipment;receiving, by the access point device, historical data that is mapped tothe location data and is associated with a second user equipment that isdetermined to be of the same make as the first user equipment, whereinthe historical data is associated with a signal metric associated with asignal transmitted between a second user equipment and the access pointdevice and wherein the signal metric represents a quality of the signal;based on the historical data, altering, by the access point device, atransmission policy associated with the first user equipment, whereinthe transmission policy indicates a parameter employable for atransmission of error correction bits within an error correction datapacket; and based on the transmission policy, facilitating, by theaccess point device, the transmission of the error correction datapacket between the access point device and the first user equipment. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein the altering the transmission policycomprises altering the transmission policy in response to determining,based on analyzing the historical data, that the geographical area isassociated with a radio access network signal that satisfies a criterionfor being a weak signal.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein thealtering the transmission policy further comprises altering thetransmission policy to instruct the first user equipment to increase apower associated with the transmission.
 13. The method of claim 10,wherein the altering the transmission policy further comprises alteringthe transmission policy to instruct the first user equipment to increasea length of time associated with the transmission.
 14. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the altering the transmission policy further comprisesaltering the transmission policy to instruct the first user equipment todecrease a rate of transmitting the error correction data packet. 15.The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining, by the accesspoint device, priority data indicative of a priority assigned to thefirst user equipment.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the alteringcomprises altering the transmission policy based on the priority data.17. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, comprisingexecutable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a firstnetwork device of a first network, facilitate performance of operations,comprising: based on accelerometer data sensed by an accelerometer of afirst mobile device, determining location data indicative of ageographical location of the first mobile device wherein the locationdata is further determined based on network data indicative of anavailability of second network device of a second network forcommunication with the mobile device; determining first device dataindicative of a type of operating system employed by the first mobiledevice; determining historical data that is mapped to the location dataand is related to a second user equipment that is determined to utilizethe type of the operating system, wherein the historical data comprisesinformation representing a signal metric associated with a datatransmission between a second mobile device and an access point deviceserving the geographical location and wherein the signal metricrepresents a quality of the signal; in response to determining, based onthe historical data, that the signal metric satisfies a defined weaksignal criterion, modifying policy data describing a transmission policyassociated with transmission of bits within an error correction datapacket that is to be transmitted between the first mobile device and theaccess point device; and subsequent to the modifying, facilitating atransmission of the error correction data packet between the firstmobile device to the access point device.
 18. The non-transitorymachine-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the transmissionpolicy is associated with a size of the error correction data packet.19. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 17,wherein the operations further comprise: determining notification datathat indicates that the first mobile device has implemented the alteringof the policy data.
 20. The non-transitory machine-readable storagemedium of claim 17, wherein the transmission policy is associated with afrequency of transmitting the error correction data packet.